The January 8, 1921 edition of the Portage, Wisconsin
The Register-Democrat carried an un-credited article about the Pilgrim Landing half dollar that strongly suggested (at least to me) that the article's author was not a fan of the US commemorative coin series. The title of the articles was "Half Dollar Pilgrim Coin - Mayflower Fifty-Cent Piece Worth Its Face But Costs One Dollar."
The piece began,
"Going on the assumption that the "end justifies the means" the government has issued a new dollar fifty-cent piece in commemoration of the tercentenary of the landing of the Pilgrims." [emphasis added]It continued,
"Only a limited number of these coins -- three hundred thousand -- have been minted and it's a safe prediction that most of them will fall into the hands of the collectors and dealers who will eventually make a handsome penny thru their sale to the next crop of coin enthusiasts."And then, my favorite observations,
"Of course you daren't accuse our Uncle Sam of profiteering -- the good-natured old guardian is only assisting the Pilgrim progeny to celebrate in a manner befitting so important as the first appearance of their early ancestors on the 'stern and rock bound coast' at old Plymouth and 'tis well -- but why not make enough for everybody, thereby eliminating all chance for future inflated value and accomplishing the purpose for which the coin should be intended -- to afford a popular method for securing fifty-cent contributions to the fund for the celebration?"Of course, history tells us that the Mint did strike "enough for everybody" - even more, in fact. Of the 300,000 coins struck for the two-year program ~128,000 were returned to the Mint to be melted. It appears that just about everyone who wanted one, got one. And while the coin's market prices has certainly gone up over the past 100+ years, the coin was never singled out and subjected to rampant speculation and price gouging.
But, I have the benefit of 20/20 hindsight. I may have felt the same way as the author did in 1921!
1920 Landing of the Pilgrims Tercentenary Half Dollar
For other of my posts about commemorative coins and medals, including more Pilgrim half dollar stories, see:
Commems Collection.
Posted 10/07/2025 2:17 pm
